Reporter autumn2010 -a - Franklin Alumni Network - Franklin College

friend and, in 1986, she opened her
own casting office — Ellen Jacoby
Casting International.
Jacoby has cast iconic films such as
The Truman Show, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
and Dream Girls. One of Jacoby’s more
recent projects is “Burn Notice,” an
Emmy-nominated TV series about a spy
on the run. Jacoby also was involved in
casting for “Miami Vice,” “Nip/Tuck,”
“Passions” and “CSI: Miami.”
Being a casting director means
narrowing down the field of talent for
the director. For each job, Jacoby must
familiarize herself with the script of the
movie, film or commercial.
“I audition people and read the part
with the actors,” said Jacoby. “I bring my
own creativity to the process. My high is
discovering great actors. It is a tough
business as there are many more aspiring
actors than roles available.”
Auditions are filmed, and the best are
sent to the director who makes the final
selection. While the job means working
with famous directors like James Cameron,
Martin Scorsese, Michael Bay and Ron
Howard, it is not an industry for the faint
of heart.
Wilmington, Del., to help establish a new
chapter. Getting the club off the ground
was a challenge, but it was a launching
pad for Newsom’s career. She went on to
serve as a chapter director in Pittsfield,
Mass., then on to the national staff in
Los Angeles and New York City before
returning to the Midwest and heading up
Indianapolis.
Newsom retired in 1990 and returned
to Columbus, Ind., where she has
continued supporting causes with an
educational component, including the
Senior Center Services and the
Foundation for Youth in Columbus.
Both organizations provide educational
programs for different segments of the
community, and Newsom enjoyed
membership on both boards.
She also is a loyal alumna, having
volunteered in several capacities over the
years to assist Franklin College. Newsom
served two separate terms on the Alumni
“This is a very tough business,” Jacoby
said. “There is very little loyalty; you are
only as good as your last film. You really
have to stay on top of your game.”
One way Jacoby overcomes the stress of
work is through service. She’s involved
frequently in charitable work on behalf of
the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and YWCA.
One of the best moments was when
the foundation asked me if I could
get a celebrity to do a piece of artwork
for their silent auction, Jacoby said.
“The foundation offered to provide a
pizza box-sized canvas plus whatever
medium the actor wanted, watercolors,
oil paints, etc.”
“Joe Pesci said he would do it for me
but not to send him the materials, that he
would get his own. He ended up sending
me an 8-foot oil painting on canvas of a
priest. He wrote ‘God is a Goodfella’
across the painting and signed it. It was
the biggest success of the event.”
As for succeeding in the fast-paced
entertainment industry, well, it helps to
have a liberal arts education, said Jacoby.
“Be well-rounded, creative and know how
to relate to people, and always stay on top
of your game.”
Council, acted as a class agent and is
currently volunteering her time as a
member of the softball complex
fundraising committee as part of
The Future Unfolds capital campaign.
“I think the stuff women (athletes) do
up there is great,” Newsom said.
“I am on the committee for raising
money for the women’s softball complex
because it is the first time Franklin has
specifically planned a space for women’s
athletics. It seems fitting since we were the
first college in Indiana to admit women.”
Newsom is impressed with the way
opportunities for women in sports have
developed at Franklin College since her
own time as a student.
“In the last few years there are so many
more opportunities for girls since Title
IX,” said Newsom. “It has encouraged girls
and young women everywhere.”
Newsom believes sports can be an
important factor in helping young people
Casting director Ellen Jacoby ’69 meets many
celebrities through her work. Here, she poses
with client Danny Glover on a movie set.
Learn more about her clients at
w w w.ellenjacobycasting.com.
build self-confidence and in teaching
lifelong lessons about teamwork, discipline
and perseverance. Over her lifetime, she’s
personified all three.
In 1983, Newsom was awarded Indiana’s
honorary Sagamore of the Wabash and,
in 1970, an Alumni Citation from the
Franklin College Alumni Council for
her significant work with Girls Club.
While Newsom is appreciative of the
awards, she views service as a responsibility
rather than an option.
“This country is dependent on volunteers,”
Newsom said.
She is grateful that Franklin College is
committed to preparing young men and
women for lives of excellence, leadership
and service so that they can go on to make
a difference in the world.
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